Chapter 9 - THE PROPOSAL ON THE MOUNTAIN
Three months later.
It was late autumn. The Rocky Mountains were capped with crisp white snow, illuminated under a brilliant, clear blue sky.
Daniel had arranged a private weekend getaway for the family at a luxury timber lodge in Estes Park, overlooking the vast expanse of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Emma was outside on the wide wooden deck, wrapped in a bright yellow parka, using a telescope Daniel had bought her to look at wild elk grazing in the valley below. Nurse Sarah—whom Daniel had retained as a trusted family friend and babysitter—was inside sitting by the roaring stone fireplace, feeding Noah his afternoon bottle.
Daniel and Rachel walked along a stone path leading to an overlook high above the valley.
The mountain air was crisp and sweet. Rachel wore a cream-colored wool coat and a matching scarf, her cheeks flushed rosy from the cold, looking completely beautiful.
They stopped at the wooden railing of the overlook, taking in the magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks.
Rachel leaned her head against Daniel's shoulder, wrapping her arm through his. "It's so quiet up here," she whispered softly.
"It is," Daniel agreed, resting his hand over hers.
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the gentle rustle of the pine trees in the wind.
"Rachel," Daniel spoke softly, turning to face her.
Rachel looked up into his dark eyes, sensing a shift in his tone.
"Ten months ago," Daniel said, taking both of her gloved hands into his, "I walked out of Riverside Medical Center convinced that my life was already over. I had money, I had success, but I was living in total darkness."
Tears began to gather in Rachel's eyes as she listened to his warm, steady voice.
"Then I saw Emma holding Noah on a curb," Daniel continued, his own voice thick with emotion. "And then I met you. You showed me what real strength looks like. You gave me a family when I thought I would never have one again."
Daniel slowly reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He dropped onto one knee on the crisp mountain snow.
He opened the box, revealing a stunning, brilliant-cut diamond ring flanked by two tiny hazel sapphires—matching the color of Emma’s eyes.
"Rachel Bennett," Daniel said, looking up at her with complete, unreserved devotion. "I love you with all my heart. I love Emma, and I love Noah. Will you do me the honor of marrying me, and letting me protect you all for the rest of my life?"
Rachel covered her mouth with her hands, tears of overwhelming joy spilling down her flushed cheeks.
From fifty yards away on the lodge deck, Emma was watching through the telescope. She suddenly jumped up and down, waving her arms wildly. "Say yes, Mommy! Say yes!"
Rachel laughed through her tears, looking from Emma back down to the man kneeling before her in the snow.
May you like
"Yes!" Rachel wept joyfully, stepping forward. "Yes, Daniel! A thousand times yes!"
Daniel stood up, slipping the ring onto her finger, pulling her into a deep, passionate embrace as the crisp mountain air carried their laughter across the valley.
